Kolbey
,
18

Kolbey was prepared to travel more than 2,000 miles for his wish-come-true. Missoula native Kolbey, 18, who battles nasopharyngeal carcinoma, wanted more than anything to watch his favorite NFL team, the New England Patriots, play on their home field in Gillette Stadium. This fall, Kolbey and his family did just that, and went all the way to Massachusetts to experience a day full of all things New England Patriots.

On game day, Kolbey and his family arrived an hour before kick-off and they were all taken down to the field to watch the players as they warmed up for the game. While on the field, Kolbey spent his time meeting the Patriots players. Some of the players Kolbey met had Super Bowl rings, and, feeling like a true team member of the Patriots, he even got to try on one of the legendary rings. As part of his wish day, Kolbey was also given two signed jerseys, including one from Tom Brady, his favorite player! Brady is also his sister’s favorite player, so Kolbey, wanting to include her on his wish experience, generously gave the jersey to his sister.

Kolbey was especially excited for the game to start because the Patriots were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, his second favorite team. He and his family had seats with a spectacular view, where they jubilantly watched the Patriots win the game. When Kolbey and his family returned to their hotel after the game, his mom asked him to rank his day on a scale of one to ten – Kolbey gave it a perfect ten!

Kolbey’s wish did not end, however, at the game’s final whistle. The following day, he and his family also explored Boston, MA, where they saw the many historical and beautiful sites of the city. Kolbey along with his family especially enjoyed visiting the New England Aquarium where they saw an amazing IMAX movie as well.

When describing their wish experience, Kolbey’s mother was nearly speechless, but managed to say that it was simply "fabulous... unbelievable!" Although he is back home in Montana, Kolbey will forever remember how incredible he felt on the day he spent with his all-time favorite football team, especially as it helped him forget, even if just for a couple of days, about his medical condition.

Kolbey's wish comes true

Kolbey and his family have a thrilling send-off at the airport

Kolbey in the cockpit

Kolbey shakes hands with the pilot

Kolbey and family sporting their Patriots gear

Kolbey next to a Patriots lego helmet

Kolbey meets New England Patriots Alumni Patrick Pass

Kolbey's sister looks on as her brother meets New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft

Kolbey, his mom and sister at South Boston Station

Thank you all so much for your wonderful work! What an amazing trip to Boston! The kindness of strangers will forever amaze us. Please continue all your hard work -- you make a HUGE difference in people's lives.
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